World Expo to promote oriental medicine

The 2010 World Oriental Medicine-Bio Expo will be held in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, from Sept. 16 to Oct. 16 to promote the excellence of oriental medicine to the world. / Courtesy of organizers

The 2010 World Oriental Medicine-Bio Expo will take place in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, from Sept. 16 to Oct. 16 to promote the excellence of oriental medicine to the world.

Under the theme of the “Rediscovery of Traditional Oriental Medicine,” the organizers aim to attract some 1.05 million visitors, including 50,000 foreigners from 15 countries during the 31-day event.

Participants will deal with the major issues such as globalization and industrialization of traditional medicine at the main halls, such as the Future Oriental Medicine Museum and the Herbal Life Science Museum, along with experience programs such as cultural performances.

Among others, representatives from 15 countries will exchange their traditional medicine knowledge and experiences at the World Traditional Medicine Museum. Also, seven Korean prestigious oriental hospitals will take part in the exhibition and experience programs. 

Jecheon is known as a hub for the production and distribution of 30 percent of the medicinal herbs produced in Korea, due to its natural backdrop of the Taebaek Mountains. 

The region also has strong infrastructure for the oriental medicine industry and historical background as the major market during the Joseon period (1392-1910). It houses several leading pharmaceutical companies in Korea in the Jecheon Bio Valley, the Traditional Medicine Industry Center (Ministry of Knowledge and Economy) and college research institutes (The College of Oriental Medicine of Semyung University, The Oriental Medicine Bio Clinical Support Center, and The Food Processing Technology Research Institute of Daewon University College).


source: Korea times

The history of Baekje Kingdom unfolds

Visitors walk past the rebuilt Neung Temple at Baekje Cultural Land, Aug. 19, in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province. The temple was one of the most famous temples during the Baekje Kingdom era. Drums are pounding rhythmically in the background, along with the racing heartbeats of soldiers ready for battle while clutching spears and suited in armor. The horses also add to the thunderous pounding, elegantly yet swiftly going into battle. The culture and history of the Baekje Kingdom that dates back to 1,400 years ago is being brought back to life. Along with the Silla and Goryeo Kingdom, Baekje was one of the ancient eras that reigned from B.C. 18 to A.D. 660 on Korean soil and was known as a cultural haven that brought together various civilizations from Eastern Asia. Buyeo and Gongju counties in South Chungcheong Province were the two main areas where the country flourished, and they are joining forces to host the Great Baekje World Festival from Sept. 18 to Oct. 17. Starting in 1955 and only in Buyeo, the event expanded in both quality and quantity until 2007 when it was held in both counties. The Bakeje Cultural Land located in Buyeo, which will be the main venue of the event, was gradually created and improved by numerous masters in various fields, such as architecture, art and history, based on historical records and research for the past 17 years. The site enables visitors to get a glimpse of the grand and fancy architecture and historical sites of the period revived quite realistically, including the royal Sabi Palace, Neung Temple and also the first museum that features only Baekje history With the opening ceremony scheduled on Sept. 17, marches, exhibitions and performances will unfold for visitors to enjoy. At Geum and Baekma River, the two locations that made spreading Baekje culture to neighboring countries possible, a grand aquatic performance will be held and bring to life the history of Baekje through fireworks, water shows and theatrical performances. The festival committee will also set up an experience booth where visitors can roam around the palace walls like a true Baekje native while they can also take photos and watch soldiers on horseback march and fight during a special battle performance. The Buyeo National Museum and Gongju National Museum will hold a special Baekje Exhibition and cultural shows as well. For more information, visit http://www.baekje.org.

source:Korea times

Effect Of Korean Drama In Other Countries

In the entertainment industry, it’s no doubt that the Asian multimedia has achieved recognition not only in Asian countries but also in Western countries. Nowadays, Korean dramas have made it into many households. Additionally, creators of Korean shows have adapted Western culture to make them more appealing to the Westerners as well. Everywhere you go, it’s likely that you’ll find many communities within the locality whose members watch drama reruns and find them really entertaining. In addition, a number of local media companies in many countries bought copies of these Korean drama episodes from the producer and then air it into their local TV network. Obviously, these drama shows are originally aired in its local language. The TV networks that air these shows translate these dramas into two ways. First is through voice over. This is done by hiring local voice talents who will dub the lines of the actors from the drama. Another way is by the use of subtitles which are shown at the bottom of the screen as the show goes on. Either way, the audience will be able to understand and enjoy these shows. Korean dramas have made a good impression on several Asian countries. These include China, Myanmar (Burma), Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand , Vietnam, Taiwan, and Philippines among many others. In the Philippines alone, several Korean dramas have already been successfully aired in the country. The two major TV network ABS-CBN and GMA, and QTV have broadcasted Korean dramas such as Stairway to Heaven. My Girl, Lovers in Paris, Boys over Flowers, Romantic Princess, Memories in Bali, Artificial Beauty, Only You, Queen Seon Deok, East of Eden, Jumong, The Legend and so many more. Because of this, it is alsoivery likely that several Korean actors have gained popularity in the Philippines. Korean language has become popular in the country as well. It has somehow affected the Philippine entertainment industry many ways. Their music has dominated the local radio for several weeks. Today, popular Korean pop celebrities such as 2NE1 and the Wonder Girls have gone to the country due to the popular demand among the locals. On top of that, the popular Korean heartthrob Kim Bum from one of the most popular Korean shows Boys over Flowers came in the country for RC Cola commercial project with Phillippines native actress Maja Salvador. The commercial has a romantic theme. If you want to watch Korean dramas and movies, there are several sites that have a collection of these. You can watch them while streaming online or there are even some that can be shared. Whether you are into Korean drama, comedy, romance or suspense, there are a wide variety of Korean shows that will suit your taste.

Rapidly warming relations between India and South Korea, China's military as its main topic

Rapidly warming relations between India and South Korea, China's military as its main topic

Data for: the level of South Korea's shipbuilding world leader. The picture shows the South Korean Navy KDX II emission standards for two missile ships
Indian Defense Minister A · K · Anthony on September 5 ended his visit to South Korea, in the 3-day trip, involving China's political and military situation to become an important topic discussed. According to Yonhap news agency reported, including President Lee Myung-bak, South Korean Defense Minister Jin Tairong including high-level meeting with Anthony, the two sides signed the "Korea - India Defense Memorandum of Understanding" and "Korean - Indian Defense Research and Development Memorandum of Understanding", the two files is considered a milestone in bilateral defense cooperation.

That focus on high-end technology is the co-operation

India "livemint" net 6 published article says, if India had only to South Korea as an investment partner or a "distant friend", then it is more likely to strengthen the military power in East Asia with the defense cooperation. In some, the South China Sea as the "China Lake" the possibility of building in South Asia, New Delhi China "on the Indian encirclement" of concern, and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir region rumors the Chinese army, is to promote the important things to change reasons.

"Indian Express" also claimed that with the rise of China led to the Asian geopolitical changes in the pattern, as close neighbors, India and South Korea have felt pressure to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries have a real motive. Indian Naval cooperation is an important part of bilateral defense cooperation, South Korean warship construction technology leader in the world, India hopes to raise one's naval power. In addition, the two countries in the protection of the Indian Ocean seaways have a common interest.

Specific to the signing of two documents, the first of a memorandum between the two countries mainly related to the military exchange of relevant experience and information, such as visits, military education and training, ship visits, conducting joint military exercises and so on. The second memorandum mainly related to national defense in the field of technical cooperation between the two countries. A Defense Department official traveling in India, said: "We are seeking to establish military cooperation with South Korea aimed at strengthening mechanisms, high-technology cooperation between the two countries will be key."

Analysis pointed out that South Korea as a U.S. ally, could easily be advanced military technology in Western countries, such as fighter aircraft, modern warships and electronic equipment, and India in order to achieve their dream of great power, also in strongly enhance their military capabilities. On the other hand, South Korea to strengthen relations with India, but also contains its own warships to waters off Somalia in the participation of anti-piracy operations, more support by the Indian side considerations.

Anthony, I told the media that the strength of China and India to Korea, which has the potential of strategic cooperation, contributing to "not only in the Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean region" of peace and stability. South Korean Defense Minister Jin Tairong believes that the signing of the memorandum created a win-win situation.

South Korea also wanted to "joint production of China?"

In recent years, India pursued comprehensive, pragmatic and flexible foreign policy, for East and Southeast Asia's "Look East" policy is even more remarkable results, even referred to as "the greatest harvest field of India's diplomacy." In the long run, India has actively close to the Asia-Pacific countries, China is bound to impact on the region's political and military structure, the impact is inevitable.

Relationship between India and South Korea alone, despite 90 years in India from the last century, began to "look east", but in the early years, its relationship with Seoul has not materially improved. Until the 1997 financial crisis, Korea had just started as an important partner of India. Nevertheless, taking into account its own has been working with China to maintain a close economic ties, South Korean government Jiaqiang with India's economic, political and military cooperation in such areas, Zai 很 long time Caiqu "only do do not tell" approach.

Spring of this year, "Tian" ship after the incident, a subtle change occurs. After the incident, Cheong Wa Dae has the Government of India expressed appreciation for their collaboration, and then publicly claimed that it will strengthen their cooperation in the defense. "Japan Times," 7 to "stimulate the rise of China, India and Korea to strengthen strategic cooperation," commented the title, and thanks to India contrary, South Korea to China for "Tian" ship quite satisfied with the performance of the incident, were printed by friction and tension between the territorial issues between South Korea have begun to reassess its relations with China. Korean full military cooperation between China and India, so China was marked by deep imprint. In a sense, Korea is also playing the "India card", the intention with India "strategy echoes" to achieve their own ends.

Not an easy task to build military blocs

However, some point of view, with India's current strength, to imagine the United States from multiple directions as "containing China" seems very unrealistic. Indian Institute for Defense Analyses website on the 7th on the analysis said that in Asia, India and the countries the establishment of a military bloc against China is not easy, that one will encounter many problems, such as South Korea's relations with China in the past has been very good, but the Korean issue can not but make use of China's influence. If South Korea is attempting to join the so-called "China" alliance, we must take the risk of losing some benefits.

India's "Business Standard reported," points out that in some Indian view, the rise of China so that they may feel uneasy, New Delhi actively expand defense cooperation with South Korea, but its one of many checks and balances in China. Indian officials had said this will be more extensive in area to India to pursue his country's "diplomatic favor." A month ago, Indian Foreign Secretary Rao in Yangon, Myanmar, India, with all the countries in South Asia, met with ambassadors and high commissioners. Only from the conference venue can be seen, India has to compete with China and other Asian countries as a "battleground."

It is based on the consideration, in recent years, first with Japan, India sign Jingjihuoban relationship agreement, 又 and South Korea free trade agreements, Tong Shi positive development 同 Vietnam relations and the beginning Xiang Hanoi Tigong Wuqizhuangbei and staff training, and even quietly Tong Taiwan the expansion of channels of communication. It is evident to see that India and China is clearly trying to stake in neighboring countries and regional distribution, hoping to clash with China in the future to have more chips.

National University of Modern Languages: Korean Language Course

Korean Department at National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Lahore, is offering admission to 6 month Korean Language Course.

Eligibility: Matric or equivalent

Duration: 6 months

Fee: Rs.10,000 (for complete course)

Commencing: September-2010

Applications complete in all respects must be submitted by September 15, 2010.

Who should attend?

• If you want to be a global leader
• If you want to play a significant role m building gaps between Korea and Pakistan
• If you want to work with Korean Campus in Pakistan, Korea and other countries
• If you want to be Korean language teacher

Contact Details

For registration and further information, you may please contact:

Regional Director, NUML Lahore Campus
National University of Modern Languages,
1st Floor, Block-III Aiwan-e-Iqbal Egerton Road,
Lahore, Pakistan.
Telephone: (+92 42) 99204588, 99202636

Historians clash with Olympians to preserve South Korean martial arts in Suwon

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 Hwaseong Haengung martial artists demonstrate a single sword martial art.

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Suwon, about 45 minutes south of Seoul, is home to a unique group of martial artists. 

These men and women are keeping alive a set of skills used to teach South Korean warriors fighting. Created hundreds of years ago by studying the strengths and weaknesses of other martial arts, these arts are divided into unarmed, armed and horse-mounted styles. 

At the daily demonstration only the armed and unarmed styles are performed. The horse-mounted styles are saved for special occasions like the October citizen’s festival.

The performers come from all walks of life, from South Korean history scholars to ex Olympic alternates to local high school students. They train and perform six days a week, and sacrifice a lot to preserve this part of South Korean culture.

Durin the Suwon Citizen’s festival in October, the martial artists get a chance to display the horse martial arts and reenact a night assault on the Hwaseong fortress. Every year a lot of thought goes into making this event special and unique. Fireworks and hundreds of re-enactors take the guise of Japanese soldiers and samurai. 

The performance in Suwon has become so popular that they have started a performance in Seoul at Namsan tower. This performance is different in that it is more court based and flows more like a dance, while the one in Suwon is more military based.

They perform every day except Mondays at 11 a.m. from March to December at Hwaseong Haegung in Suwon. The performance is free. Another group performs at Namsan tower in Seoul every day except Monday at 3 p.m. 

Bae Guk Jin demonstrates the single sword martial art.

Choi Hyeong Guk demonstrates a mounted martial art at the October night performance.

Hwaseong Haengung martial artists demonstrate a double sword martial art.

Choi Hyeong Guk demonstrates the double sword martial art.

Song Seung Min slices through straw targets at Suwon.

Read more: South Korean martial arts festival in Suwon | CNNGo.com http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/play/martial-arts-performance-suwon-294684#ixzz0z6IF6NuQ
source:CNNgo.com

Tokyo Angers Seoul Again Over Dokdo

By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter

South Korea expressed deep regret Tuesday over Japan's description of the Dokdo Islets as part of its territory again. 

Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan called in Ambassador to Korea Toshinori Shigeie to express deep regret over Tokyo's move and conveyed Seoul's unequivocal position that Japan must take immediate action to halt the changes. 

The ministry also issued a statement to protest the Japanese action. 

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology approved five textbooks for elementary school students that asserted the islets in the East Sea belong to Japan. 

The materials have either maps displaying a visually identifiable sea border around Dokdo or a statement that South Korea "illegally occupies" the islets. 

Tokyo appears to be stepping up efforts to teach students to believe in its claim. 

The education authorities there began examining the five social science textbooks in March last year - Japan scrutinizes elementary school textbooks every 10 years for revision. 

Currently, one out of the five textbooks contains the phrase that Korea "illegally occupies" Dokdo since it belongs to Japan. Two others have maps that include the islets as part of Japanese territory with a dotted line to support Japan's claim.

The remaining two have no such indications or identifications.

From next year, however, all Japanese elementary school students will study social science textbooks asserting that Dokdo belongs to Japan. 

In 2008, teaching manuals for Japan's middle school students included the phrase that a territorial dispute was taking place between Korea and Japan over the ownership of Dokdo. 

Last December, Japan advised high school teachers to follow the guideline that was stated in the teaching manuals for middle school students, indicating its indirect claim to the islets. 

Dokdo, located roughly halfway between Korea and Japan, was annexed by Japan along with the Korean Peninsula in 1910, but Tokyo claims that its territorial rights to the islets were declared five years before the start of Japanese colonial rule.
source:Korea Times